As gay rights activists across the nation and here in Alabama celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act, a new poll released by the Alabama Stonewall Democrats finds greater acceptance statewide of same-sex couples.

From October 2011 to march 2013, the percentage of Alabamians supporting protection for LGBT people from employment, housing and public accommodations discrimination on the basis grew from 51 to 60. In Birmingham, that support grew from 69 percent to 77, the survey found.

"Despite all of the noise you hear on both sides, there is a growing consensus for recognizing fairness for same-sex couples," said Ralph Young of the Alabama Stonewall Democrats. "The small group can be loud and sound like the majority, but in just 18 months it's moved over to a clear majority."

Young said he was encouraged by today's ruling and said with each new ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, they see an change in public opinion.

"It's going to continue that discussion among families, friends and neighbors and that's how we're going to spark change," Young said.

Other Alabama LGBT activists shared in the celebration.

"We're excited, even though it wasn't as broad-reaching as we wanted, said James Robinson of the Huntsville-based GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. "We're celebrating with people all over the country. In Alabama, the historic home of the civil rights movement, we'll continue to move forward."

"It's been a long-time coming," said Patty Rudulph, board chair of the Birmingham chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. "It's a great statement about equality. It's about legal rights and protections for all Americans and not creating a second class of citizens who don't have the same rights."

"While we are encouraged by the Court's rulings and fully intend to celebrate them," Equality Alabama Board Chair Fergus Tuohy said in a news statement,"the fact remains that there is still much work to be done. As long as LGBT youth face bullying in schools and LGBT workers fear job loss simply because of who they love, we will continue to stand up for them. Equality Alabama will continue our work until all of our LGBT bothers and sisters truly have equal protection under the law."